Societal trends in creativity

If you’re in the creative space, it’s an exciting time to get involved in society. From art for social justice, representation, cultural identity and critique to community engagement works; 2024 and beyond holds a wealth of growth to explore in the art and creative world. Below, we’ve shared some news and pieces about the trending societal impact of art to spark your curiosity.

Social justice

Artists and creators in this space engage with social justice issues like racial equity, gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, environmental justice and other forms of activism. This is through work in various mediums from protest songs to murals. Here are some recent examples of social justice installations and awards:

● Collaborations around social justice - This piece shares how a book on social change art explores “how musicians performed at voter registration rallies in cotton fields, and he highlights the art programs established by SNCC, including a [theatre company, press and photography departments and comic books, to teach politics in communities of [colour]. The photographs taken for SNCC by a young photojournalist named Danny Lyon exposed segregation and police brutality and powerfully resonate 60 years later”

● Cambridge Arts awards £67,500 in social justice grants - In the states, grants are going to 53 artists to further the cause of social justice awareness and include hip-hop artists, LGBTQ allies, anti-racism poets and more

● The Arsenal Foundation helps the homeless via art - “The Museum of Homelessness, a community-driven social justice museum created and run by people with direct experience of homelessness” is funded by Arsenal FC’s foundation and features works from the Tate Modern

● NYCxDESIGN’s 2023 Design Pavilion features themes of social justice - This installation showcases several works designed to create unique spaces and heal cultural wounds from slavery and similar historical scars 

Representation

Representation and diversity in media and the arts have gained more importance recently. Efforts to amplify marginalised voices, challenge stereotypes and foster inclusivity in storytelling, casting and artistic expression are bringing new artists and new styles to the forefront. Here are just a few examples:

● UK national art charity invests £1m in diverse art - 21 galleries and museums will get cash from the Art Fund, with more available for direct work with collections. The goal is to create space for more diverse voices

● Art lovers experience the flavour of Mauritius - In Aberdeen, Artist Rudy Kanhye’s works showcase his heritage and break down barriers with a culinary experience for guests

● Local Beeston school welcomes diverse voices - According to the piece, the school “[welcomed] two artists in residence [...]: Sarah Jane Mason and Ladel Bryant to teach and promote The World Reimagined’s 5Cs; Curiosity, Compassion, Courage, Critical Thinking, and Connection through poetry and printing techniques”

● Bentley commissions togetherness motorcar - “The Alpine green car reveals intricate illustrations of the Vatican City and Rome’s Trevi Fountain, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Arc de Triumph and the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia, Venice’s Rialto Bridge, as well as London’s Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern, Albert Hall, and Manhattan’s Skyline and Statue of Liberty, among other well-known vistas”

Cultural identity

Artists who explore their own cultural identity, heritage and traditions through their work create space for intercultural exchange through art, literature, music, dance or other creative expressions. Here are a few trending examples:

● Painter expresses the multiculturalism of tropical Hawaii - The piece explores “the LA-based artist Shingo Yamazaki [who was born] in Honolulu, Hawai’i. The Japanese Korean American painter grew up amongst a multitude of cultures.” This informs his art which blends these cultures in a warm artistic soup

● New Seoul exhibition in Borough Yards London - This experience hopes to expose viewers to the urban sprawl and density of Asia where thinkers have theorised the cities have grown in 20 years to meet the stature of the whole of Western Europe

● Destruction to Palestinian cultural identity - The piece discusses how Gaza is “a place where artists, musicians, poets and novelists thrived, as is only natural among any people given the chance to express themselves, no matter how difficult the circumstances. They, too, are vanishing now”

● EU support from the House of Europe saves Ukrainian art - There is an effort to protect Ukrainian heritage from loss due to war and, while more support to digitise is needed, many pieces have been saved from destruction in Kyiv and other war-torn areas of the country 

Community engagement

Collaborative art projects, community-based initiatives and public art installations can engage local communities, address social issues and contribute to civic dialogue. In the stories below, see examples of artists and installations that are getting people talking:

● Environmental artist opens art farm - For people feeling disconnected from nature and navigating a poly-crisis, the Authentique Artfarm can be a place of resilience. From creating paintings, sculptures or installations to farm-to-table living; it's an amazing blueprint for living in harmony with nature and others

● Beautifying hoardings bring life to construction site - This non-profit initiative brings a community, developer and artist together to paint a mural at a Hong Kong construction site; making something lovely out of the mundane

● Liverpool Philharmonic coming to Cumbria communities - Communities near Barrow-in-Furness will get to experience more concerts and performances as Arts Council England grants funding

● Amazon Italy urban regeneration via street art - Amazon lockers in Rome were painted live in an “urban art project, inspired by the dynamism and vitality that flows inside the subways of every large metropolis. The artist created his work during a live painting event in front of spectators, including local city officials, students, curious tourists and passers-by”

Cultural critique

Lastly, we have creative works that offer critical commentary on contemporary culture, politics, technology, consumerism and other aspects of society. Bansky is a famous name in this space, but you could be the next artist challenging norms, sparking dialogue and provoking thought in the UK. Here are a few instances: 

● £2.5m satirical painting barred from leaving the UK - ‘Taste in High Life’ by Hogarth is looking for a private buyer. It’s an important critique of commercial and consumer culture from the 1700s - providing a satirical insight into the UK at the time

● Bright, temporary pillar wraps at Wentworth Woodhouse shock - Locals were aghast at the colourful wraps on the front of this beloved country house featuring phrases like "we are bold", "we are curious" and "we are Rotherham" - sparking conversation about cultural taste and aesthetics

● Revival of 1960s Pauline Boty - The British pop art siren and boundary-pushing vixen has recently been rediscovered for her “chaotic, outspoken and sex-positive, but still [...] original, politically incisive work”

● Chinese political slogans on Brick Lane - Slogans extolling Chinese Communist Party ideology created a backlash as other artists quickly added anti-communist sentiments. They “sparked debate online over whether [this counts] as street art and how freedom of expression and political propaganda interact”

If you’re ready to make your mark in the arts or with your creative spirit, let’s talk about how the warm, inclusive environment at the University of Bolton can get you there. Speak to our team via email at enquiries@bolton.ac.uk or call on 01204 952 742 for support. We’ll help you plan out your education and popular career paths like advertising, animation, fashion, film, graphic design, interior design, literature, music, painting, photography, theatre, video game design or web design. Come experience #UniAsItShouldBe!